Name: M&K Barbecue
Date: 3/27/15
Address: 215 S Salisbury Ave, Granite Quarry, NC 28146
Order: Chopped plate with fries/slaw/hushpuppies, cheerwine
Price: $10 (including tip)

Speedy: I had a hankering for good ‘cue while driving down I-85 recently, so Monk suggested I try out M&K Barbecue, another spot on the NC historic barbecue trail. Due to my tendency to stop off at Lexington barbecue whenever I’m anywhere near it, I hadn’t eaten at M&K before, so I was excited to check it out.

Monk: Thanks for checking this place out. I hope to someday as well since its not too far of 85 in Granite Quarry, but we’re never going to finish out the NC historic barbecue trail unless we get our hustle on.

Speedy: Well it was a real chore, but someone had to do it…

M&K is a classic old school joint. Upon entering, you sit where you like and a waitress comes over immediately. I was there after the Friday lunch rush, so there were plenty of tables to choose from. I seemed to be the only non-regular in the restaurant, which I think is actually a pretty good sign.

Monk: Yea, I’d say that is as good a sign as any.

Speedy: The order was easy, as I have a standard at any old school NC joint – chopped ‘cue with red slaw, fries, and hush puppies. And, of course, a Cheerwine. The food came out shortly after my order. The first thing I noticed was the portion – the ‘cue plate is massive. I ended up packing up half the plate to go and had it for a second meal the next day. And it was definitely good enough to warrant bringing home.

The pork had really good flavor with a hint of smoke and was plenty tender. The chop was slightly coarser than Lexington style, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment. My order did not have too much outside brown – next time I’ll probably specify that in my request. I ended up adding a bit of dip and Texas Pete while eating, but I could’ve gone without – the pork wasn’t dry.

The sides were pretty good. I really enjoyed the red slaw and especially enjoyed the large hushpuppies. Neither side was too sweet, which I think happens from time to time with both red slaw and hushpuppies.

Overall, this was a really good meal from a good, old-timey joint. This is a place I think I’ll check out again.

Ratings:
Atmosphere/Ambiance – 3.5 hogs
Pork – 4 hogs
Sides – 4 hogs
Overall – 4 Hogs